Raphoe 4 v 1 Bangor

On Saturday Bangor 4ths made the long trip to play Raphoe 3rds trying to capitalise on a good performance the previous week but came away disappointed after a 4-1 loss.

The match started at a fast pace with both sides trying to exert their influence on the match. It was Bangor who had the first chance of the match but a poor pass on the right failed to find an unmarked Harper at the back post. This seemed to spur Bangor on and they began to move the ball down the right through Douglas, Irvine and Patterson and this was causing problems in the Raphoe defence. Bangor tried to maintain pressure on the Raphoe defence and were rewarded with their first short corner but the keeper was able to kick away the shot comfortably. Raphoe were confined initially to relying on breakaways but at times these were causing the Bangor defence some problems with Russell in the Bangor goal making some timely interceptions. From another attack up the right side Bangor won their second corner and Patterson was able to put away the rebound. At this point it was important that Bangor consolidated with this lead but instead they allowed Raphoe to gain a foothold and from their first corner the ball was flicked over the diving Russell. Raphoe continued to press forward and won a series of corners and a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping from Russell prevented any further scoring to half time. 

The second half began with both sides still trying to establish a strangle hold on the game and play for the first 10 minutes was confined mainly to the centre of the pitch. However, again after good work on the right involving Douglas, Irvine, Tweed and Patterson they created a great chance for Harper to put Bangor into the lead but he shot wide when well placed. At this point play was swinging from end to end and both Douglas & Kirkpatrick were performing solidly with both making timely tackles which thwarted the Raphoe forwards. From another quick break from Bangor Paterson almost scored when he rounded the keeper but was unable to apply the finishing touch. Bangor at this point were pressing hard and were then caught out when a pass from Shields was intercepted and from the resulting break Raphoe edged ahead. Try as they might Bangor were unable to get back into the match and a further 2 late goals made the final result 4-1 in favour of Raphoe.

On the balance of play Raphoe deserved the victory and it is important that Bangor start getting results from matches were they compete and create good chances. We must all step up our efforts and concentrate on the task at hand. As a team we will grow once we have a settled side however we must all apply ourselves to the task ahead.

Man of the Match-Adam Douglas.